Government to allow injectable contraceptive for women?

Common myths about contraception NEW DELHI: The government may soon introduce an injectable contraceptive for women under the national family planning programme. The country's top drug advisory body has approved the use of Deoxy Medroxy Progestrone Acetate (DMPA) and recommended its inclusion in the government programme.

Though the proposal has garnered acceptability in the health ministry, it is awaiting a final official nod from the ministry. "We have given in-principle approval. But the cost for inclusion in the national programme has to be worked out," an official said.

DMPA, an injectable drug that prevents pregnancy for three months, is injected into the arm or buttock muscle. The drug has a female hormone which helps prevent the egg from being released from the ovary.

While the health ministry was contemplating expansion of the basket of contraceptives for women for at least the last ten years, it failed to take a final call on inclusion of the injectable drug because of opposition from certain quarters, mainly women activists. Those opposing the move cited safety concerns such as menstrual irregularity, amenorrhea and de-mineralization of bones as a result of its long term use. Besides, some have also raised concerns about increase in risk of breast and cervical cancer due to its prolonged use.

However, the Drug Technical Advisory Body (DTAB) — the top most advisory body on health — recommended inclusion of the drug in the national family programme during a high-level meeting with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

Generally, on matters related to drugs, DTAB's recommendations are accepted by the health ministry.

If implemented, injectable DMPA would be the sixth contraceptive to be given free of cost. Currently, the government offers five birth control options — female sterilization, male sterilization, IUD, condoms and pills — free of cost under the national family planning programme.

The DTAB's approval to the injectable contraceptive has been welcomed by those advocating women's reproductive rights. A coalition of 32 non-governmental organizations, under the banner of 'Advocating Reproductive Choices' including Population Foundation of India has welcomed the decision.

The coalition has also offered to help the government with technical support to introduce the drug under the national programme.